NEW YORK, Nov. 10 (JTA) – Restaurant-goers in Israel
who believe their favorite falafel stand is committing an unhalachic
culinary crime now have a way to strike back.
Israel’s Chief Rabbinate last week set up a 24-hour hot line to handle complains about violations of Jewish dietary laws in the country’s eateries. Approximately 20 calls were reportedly handled on the service’s first day. “The response has been tremendous,” said Rafi Yochai, an official for the rabbinate. Restaurants found to be posting a fraudulent or outdated kosher license or who serve non-kosher food despite displaying the rabbinate’s seal of approval face the risk of paying fines that range between $285 and $570. Most restaurants in Israel want a kosher license so as to attract the business of observant Jews.
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